Vina Morales endorses One Cebu bets in Bogo

CEBU, Philippines - Actress Vina Morales has endorsed the Salimbangons in Bogo City, her hometown, for the upcoming May 13 elections.

Morales entertained the more than 4,000 supporters of One Cebu Party during the proclamation rally last night. Morales came home to support mayoralty candidate Daphne Salimbangon, daughter of reelectionist fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon.

She said that Benhur has done a lot of developments in the fourth district in just few years. The Cebuana actress whose real name is Sharon Magdayao sang the popular song “Pangako sa Iyo” with Benhur, gubernatorial candidate and third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, and Daphne.

The One Cebu candidates led by Gwen, Pablo John together with Provincial Board Members Sun Shimura and Joven Mondigo Jr. toured around Bogo City in a caravan before the rally at the Bogo City Plaza last night.

Aside from Morales, acting Vice Governor Julian Daan also entertained the crowd and the members of Beautiful Cebu Movement led by Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung.

Mariquita was supposed to be the party’s candidate for mayor in Bogo City but she withdrew and had her niece to run instead.

Daphne emphasized the need for change in Bogo. She urged the people not to be afraid of the Martinezes who have been in power for several years now. Daphne is challenging the candidacy of reelectionist Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, Jr. while her father, Benhur, is up against Junie’s son, former mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III.

“Sa akong pagsuroy-suroy, napul-an na gyud ang mga tawo sa mga Martinez,” Daphne said. The Martinezes have been ruling Bogo City for more than 40 years. If elected, Daphne assured the people of free hospitalization, medicines, ambulance, full scholarship and livelihood.

“Ako ang mayor sa mga kabus (I will be the mayor of the poor),” she said.

At the rally, flyers were distributed stating the projects of the Martinezes that are allegedly not benefitting the people but for the businesses of the family.These include some road openings leading to the family’s businesses, sale of their properties where the new city hall is constructed, a radio station, business at the port, among others.

The Liberal Party which the Martinezes belong will also have its own rally in Bogo today. No less than President Benigno Aquino III will join the rally in time for the inauguration of  the new city hall. —/FPL (FREEMAN)